Editorial: New Madison Village hotel will be in good position to achieve success

We’re referring to the area on Route 528, just north of Interstate 90 in Madison Village, a place that has always seemed like a prime location for a hotel, but an idea that never quite got beyond the talking phase.

However, all of that talk finally evolved into action when ground recently was broken for a project that will create an 81-room hotel and conference center.

The future site of Holiday Inn Express and Suites, 181 Water Tower Drive in Madison Village — a short drive from the I-90/Route 528 interchange — will encompass 4 acres, at least 2 of which will be occupied by the hotel, itself, according to the plan at hand.

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We believe that this new hotel and conference center is an excellent addition for eastern Lake County and has the potential to prosper.

First of all, it fills an unmet need for I-90 travelers who are approaching the Route 528 interchange in search of overnight lodging, as well as visitors or businesspeople who plan more extended stays in the region. Currently, the nearest hotel or motel lodging options located close to I-90 for those same travelers and visitors are in Geneva (accessed via the Route 534 exit, about 5 miles east of I-90/Route 528 interchange) and Concord Township (via the Route 44 exit, about 13 miles west of I-90/Route 528).

So clearly, the new Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Madison Village can fill a void in the local marketplace, unlike the situation at some interstate interchanges already bordered by multiple hotels, where competition is more intense.

In addition, the new hotel will be well-positioned to serve two specific segments of customers that could prove lucrative. We’re talking about consumers who enjoy visiting the area’s many wineries; as well as individual and team athletes, fans and families who are involved in sporting events and activities at the SPIRE Institute in Geneva.

First, let’s consider the impact that winery patrons could have if they pour into the new hotel in substantial numbers and on a regular basis. It’s worth noting that the new Holiday Inn Express and Suites is based in Madison Village, which is part of the Grand River Valley Viticultural Area — the scientific name for wine country in Lake and Ashtabula counties. The Grand River Valley, which is 22 miles long and 4 miles wide, “contains about 70 percent of the vinifera grapes in the state and about 90 percent of the medals (for awards won by wineries) come out of there,” said Donniella Winchell, executive director of the Geneva-based Ohio Wine Producers Association.

When it comes tourism, the Grand River Valley each weekend attracts 10,000 to 15,000 visitors who patronize a total of 28 wineries. While bed and breakfasts thrive in this region because of wine country visits, Winchell said there is still a definite need for additional and different styles of lodging — such as hotels — for wine country visitors.

The new Holiday Inn Express and Suites already is intending to help transport wine lovers to and from some of their favorite establishments.

Madison Village Administrator Dwayne Bailey confirmed that the venue plans to offer shuttle service from the hotel to any of the many wineries located within 10 miles of it, along with trips into Madison Village proper.

“It’s a really nice destination,” he said. “From that exit on I-90, there are 20 wineries and a distillery within 10 miles.”

We’re hoping that the new Holiday Inn Express and Suites also markets itself as a place to stay for competitors and spectators drawn to the SPIRE Institute, a state-of-the-art athletic complex located on Route 534, just north of Interstate 90 in Geneva. Spire has hosted events such as the NCAA Division II Swimming and Diving National Championships, NCAA Division I Track and Field Invitational and the U.S. Masters Swimming Summer National Championship.

With Madison Village’s proximity to Geneva, we believe the new hotel could put itself in the running to become part of the game plan to accommodate the many people who come from all over the country for major sporting events at SPIRE.

We’d like to conclude with a personal message for the developers and owners of the new Holiday Inn Express & Suites: Thank you for the investment you’re making in Madison Village. It’s been a long time coming, but we believe that if you offer competitive prices; clean, attractive rooms; and excellent service for your guests, your new business venture will thrive.